Jan. 1, 2013 Issue 62

January 1, 2013 - Vol 47

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

T H E

Rob Rob Golfi Golfi Sales Sales Representative Representative

HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION

905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188

G O L F I

T E A M

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The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

About Rob Golfi

S

ince the inception of his career in 1997, Rob Golfi has recognized that understanding his clients’ needs is essential to providing excellent service.

As business grew, Rob assembled the Golfi Team in an effort to maintain the same level of professionalism clients have come to expect. Shortly thereafter in 2003, the team received the prestigious honour of being among the top 100 Real Estate Teams for RE/MAX Canada, and this status continues to date.

Rob’s experience and aggressive negotiating skills have earned him every major honour awarded by RE/MAX, including President’s Club, 100% Club, Platinum Club, Chairman’s Club, Hall of Fame in 2003, the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, his SRES® designation in 2009 and the Diamond Club Award in 2010. Having worked with

many of the industry’s professionals over the years, he has the necessary edge to best negotiate the sale of your home.

Any agent can list your house, but Rob’s knowledge, extensive marketing background and dedication gives clients peace of mind when dealing with the single most important investment in their lives. With years of combined experience, the Golfi Team can provide your home with a level of exposure that most agents cannot. Utilizing a team approach also means that they will likely find a purchaser to buy your home sooner, rather than waiting for other agents to approach you with potential buyers.

Ranked in the top 5 of nearly 2,000 sales agents in the Hamilton-Burlington and Niagara areas, listing with Rob and the Golfi Team is the right choice when choosing someone to represent your best interest. -Å

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The Solution Fill in the grid above, so that each row of 9 squares, each column of nine and each section of nine (three squares by three) contains the numbers 1 through 9 in any order. There is only one solution for the puzzle and the numbers shown can NOT be changed.

January 1, 2013

Why GTA housing market will stay strong in 2013 Many economists predicted a local real estate crash this year, with prices falling by up to 25 per cent. I didn’t see that prediction coming true and it didn’t.

Nor do I believe it will happen in 2013.

Here’s why: 1. Homes are more affordable In 1990, the average GTA home cost half of what it does today. But interest rates were 12 per cent for a fiveyear term at the time. So if a twobedroom condo cost $250,000 in 1990 and you had a 20-per-cent down payment, your monthly carrying costs, including interest, taxes and common expenses, were about $2,500. The average rental for a twobedroom condo at the time was $1,100, according to the Housing New Canadians research group. So the economics of ownership made no sense.

Today, even with a price of $500,000, if you have a 20-per-cent down payment, with current interest rates at 3 per cent, the total monthly payment is what it was in 1990. It is still $2,500 per month, including common expenses and taxes. But in downtown Toronto, the average rent paid for a two-bedroom unit is now close to $2,500 per month.

Most tenants who can afford $2,500 a month or more in rent can probably afford to buy a home now, if they have 10 per cent down payment or more.

2. The lesson from 2012 Toronto Real Estate Board statistics up until Nov. 30 show 82,200 units had sold in the GTA so far this year.

In 2011, it was 84,900, and in 2010 it was 81,900. The average price on Nov. 30 was 2 per cent higher than a year ago. If anything, the market has remained very stable for the past three years.

3. Impact of mortgage rule changes is minor The mortgage rule changes imposed in early July lowered the amortization period to 25 years if you were putting less than 20 per cent down and lowered the percentage of your income that could be used for borrowing from 44 per cent to 39 per cent. The result was that buyers who would have purchased in late summer or fall moved up their purchasing decision to the spring. By fall,

this meant many would-be first-time buyers were looking to rent instead of buy. This contributed to low vacancy rates.

4.

2013 will be fine Despite the doom and gloom, Toronto condo rental vacancy rates are 1.7 per cent. This means that for those people who cannot sell their condos, there are plenty of renters who can cover the monthly costs.

5.

Debt-to-income ratio not relevant As our American friends like to say, “that dog won’t hunt.” Every month we are told that because the ratio of household debt to household income continues to rise — and is now at 164 per cent — there is a danger of a real estate collapse.

What this really means is that the average Canadian household has an income of $100,000 and total debt of $164,000 (of which their real estate debt constitutes-two thirds). Again, as stated earlier, with interest rates at 3 per cent, this is not a dangerous problem.

If interest rates were 12 per cent, as they were in 1990, or if all your debt was on your credit cards (with interest rates averaging 18 per cent), then this would be a serious problem.

Note to readers: pay down or eliminate your credit card debt in 2013.

Note to government: with mortgage interest rates at 3 per cent, it is almost criminal for lenders to be able to charge 18 per cent on consumer credit cards.

6.

Interest rates may not rise until 2015 The U.S. Federal Reserve is now saying it won’t raise rates until 2015.

Our rates can’t differ much from theirs without harming our economy with a strong dollar and slower growth.

These are all things to keep in mind in the coming year. Somebody has been predicting a Canadian real estate market collapse for the past 12 years. It hasn’t happened yet and won’t happen in 2013.

Mark Weisleder is a Toronto real estate lawyer. Contact him at mark@markweisleder.com

Call the Golfi Team for a FREE Market Evaluation

Your home could be worth more than you think!

905-575-7700

www. GolfiTeam .com

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January 1, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 3

Facts About the GOLFI TEAM‌ 3 Over $65 Million in Sales Annually** 3 #1 Real Estate Office in Hamilton-Burlington* 3 Amongst the Top Sales Reps in Ontario** 3 Ranked Top 50 Teams in Canada for ** 3 Ranked Top 100 Teams world wide**

1998

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

2003

2003

2006

2010

OVER $460 MILLION IN REAL ESTATE SALES *#1 Brokerage in the Realtors Association of Hamilton Burlington MLS from 1994 to 2010 consecutively. **Year End Standings for 2010, based on residential commissions paid. Rankings are compiled from figures submitted by regional offices.

Rob Golfi

Sales Representative

Sharon Stafford Sales Representative

Kristina King

Sales Representative

Heather Reid

Sales Representative

Margaret Berlo Sales Representative

Hans Marcellissen Sales Representative

John Hellicar

Sales Representative

Wendy Murray-Nicholson Sales Representative

Rosemarie Fournier Listing Co-ordinator

Melissa Davidson Office Manager

Together Delivering More...

Call Today 905-575-7700

Mike McNeil

Sales Representative

Page 4

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

January 1, 2013

Always get Real Estate Details in Writing

T

here is a reason why real estate deals have to be in writing. Things said, but not written down, are open to interpretation and misunderstanding later as a decade old case in Brampton illustrates.

In this instance, the discussions meant the end of a real estate contract and eight years of court battles.

In August 2000, Tony Rizzuto put in an offer on a 32-acre farm in Brampton. He offered the owners, Jennifer Footman and her husband, $1.7 million based on a price of $52,000 per acre. The Footmans rejected the offer, signing it back for $65,000 per acre for a total price of 2.1 million, plus the right to remain living there rent-free for three years after closing.

Rizzuto was satisfied with the price, but didn’t like the three-year rent-free period. He asked his agent, Richard Durbano, to see whether the sellers would agree to

either six months or a year instead.

Durbano spoke to Footman and later testified that Footman told him that one year rent-free would be fine. Footman later told a court he did not agree to this. .

Later that day, Rizzuto accepted the counter offer, agreeing to the price as well as the three year rent free period. However, he still wanted to try and change the deal to a one year rent-free period so he asked his lawyer to prepare an additional amendment to the contract, making that change. He did it this way because he was afraid that if he changed the three year period to one year, then it would be considered a counter offer. So he tried to first accept the offer but then negotiate the amendment separately.

Durbano left all the papers at the Footmans with a covering letter that said, “Enclosed please find the accepted Agreement of Purchase and Sale. As discussed and agreed to yesterday, the period that you would be staying on the property would be for one year after closing. Accordingly, please find amendment to agreement for your signature.”

Mrs. Footman refused to sign the amendment. She said all the documents were really a new offer and when she refused to sign the amendment, the deal was dead.

Rizzutto argued that even though Mrs. Footman refused to sign the amendment, they still had a deal, with the three-year rent free period.

Rizzuto sued and won at trial in 2007. But Footman appealed. In an Ontario Court of Appeal decision dated June 3, 2008, the judges reversed the decision, saying that based on all the evidence, the parties did not come to any final agreement, so there was no deal.

It took eight years from the date of the agreement until the final court decision.

Many times real estate contracts are conditional on home inspections being done and buyers having 4-5 days to waive the condition if they are satisfied with the home. Buyers then find something wrong during the period and try to negotiate a reduction to the purchase price, using an amendment.

If this is not approached carefully, sellers might also take the position that if they refuse the amendment,

the deal is over, and the buyers no longer have the right to waive their original condition. The lesson is to make sure that any price reduction is agreed to by both sides, in writing, before the date when any waiver is to be sent.

So, whether you’re a seller or a buyer, when you receive an offer, my advice is to do one of three things; accept it, reject it or make a counter offer. Do not play games with amendments and be careful about any verbal negotiations. You will avoid long and costly lawsuits where only the lawyers win. If it is important to you, put it in writing and leave it that way.

Mark Weisleder is a Toronto real estate lawyer. Contact him at mark@markweisleder.com

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371 Ontario Street, St. Catharines 905-685-3838 | 1-800-567-1101 performancemercedes.ca

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Crossword Solution

January 1, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 5

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

WEst LinCOLn $269,900 2024 Port Davidson West

WAinfLEEt $899,900 40625 Feeder Road East

bEAmsViLLE $599,000 4130 St. George’s Drive

HOUSE & GARDEN! 2565 sqft executive home only 2.5 yrs new, thousands in upgrades, large stylish maple kitchen with granite counters, separate formal dining room, crown moulding, oak staircase, large walk in closet off or master suite including ensuite bath.

PICKET FENCE CHARM! Completely re-done 1300 sq.ft. bungalow w/new addition. Features hand scraped teak hardwd flrs, porcelain & ceramic tiles, maple kitch w/granite counters, great rm w/cathedral ceilings, new septic system, 2500 gallon cistern, & a single 25x12.5 ft. garage.

Spectacular 3500 sq.ft. 5 bedrm beauty, sitting on 59.60 acres. Features maple kitchen with granite counters, main flr master bedrm with rich hotel style ensuite, oversized walk in closet, gleaming hardwd flrs, professionally finished basement, 140x72 ft. riding arena, & 8 stall horse barn.

New Hampton Model home! 3000 sq.ft. of pure luxury, loaded w/upgrades. Open concept w/hardwood, ceramic & porcelain flrs. Kitchen w/granite counters, glass backsplash & island. DR boasts coffered ceilings & wainscoting.

Master bdrm w/double walk in closets & spa bathroom.

$1717.09 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1078.02 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$3594.35 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$2392.50 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

grimsby

$429,900 81 Aspen Drive

ONE R E H OT N A D SOL

SOLD

ONE R E H ANOT

bEAmsViLLE $454,900 4024 Bush Crescent

VinELAnd $249,950 3380 Tallman Drive

bEAmsViLLE $459,900 4960 Kennedy Street

PRESTIGIOUS 2 STOREY – Only 4 yrs new, features grand foyer, oak stair case, gleaming hardwd flrs in family rm w/showcase fireplace, maple kitch w/breakfast bar island, transom windows on main level, professionally finished basement, beautifully landscaped yard w/fenced yard.

Outstanding and immaculate! This Hillside Estate home shows beautifully. Featuring maple kitchen with breakfast island and butler’s pantry to dining room. 9 ft ceilings, 8 ft wide sliding doors to fenced and landscaped yard with large 12 x 34 ft deck.

Fantastic 4+1 bedroom family home features eat-in kitchen, spa bathroom, single attached garage, a large private fenced in backyard, easy highway access and walking distance to amenities. Updates incl: Tankless hot water heater, new flooring, roof aprx. 6yrs new, newer furnace & A/C.

Everything you wanted in a house and more – 4 bedrooms with professionally finished basement, fenced and landscaped yard, beautiful maple kitchen with breakfast bar and ceramic floors, backsplash, and located in a great family neighborhood.

$1517.38 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1816.94 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1247.93 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1836.92 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

bEAmsViLLE $379,900 4495 Frances Crescent

SOLD

ONE R E H ANOT

grimsby $314,900 8 Stanley Avenue

grimsby $319,900 683 Ridge Road West

VinELAnd $649,900 3274 King Street

grimsby

$699,900

Fantastic 2+2 bedrm home w/open concept main floor, custom maple kitchen w/breakfast bar, new vinyl windows, flooring, trim & shingles. Master bdrm w/walk-in closet, prof. fin. basement, above ground pool on huge lot.

Beautifully decorated 3+1 bedroom bungalow. Updates include granite kitchen counters, newer roof, furnace 07, updated windows, entry doors, and patio door. Large 16 x 28ft. deck off kitchen. Rec room with wood burning fireplace, office area, great room, laundry, and storage.

Spectacular, luxurious & Immaculate best describes this awesome beauty sitting on 1.3 acres on the bench of the escarpment with panoramic views of Lake Ontario surrounded by vineyards and neighbouring ranch, 4 bedrms, 4 car garage, granite, hardwd flrs, + + + shows like a dream.

Spectacular Stately home sitting on 1.26 acres minutes to downtown Grimsby. Features 3+2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, gorgeous, updated, new designer kitchen, all season sunroom, professionally finished basement. Nothing has been spared. A must see.

$1257.76 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1277.73 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$2595.81 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$2795.51 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

253 Ridge Rd

ONE R E OTH N A D SOL VinELAnd $185,000 3933 Durban Lane

WEst LinCOLn $639,900 8729 Twenty Road

jOrdAn $547,000 2869 Prince William Street

grimsby $449,900 364 Mountain Road

Get inside to see this lovely home! Generous foyer opens to the comfortable living room. Eat-in kitchen w/sliding doors to large deck. Buyer to be approved by Landlord. Land lease fee $328.84/mth. Estimated taxes $160.37/mth.

Maintenance plan Gold $162/mth or $105/mth.

CUSTOM BUILT home backing onto Twenty Mile Creek. Kitchen with granite and large island, hardwood floors, pot lights, living room with cathedral ceilings and stone fireplace, large master bedroom with hotel style ensuite. Thousands of dollars spent on exterior landscaping. This home is truly a dream come true.

Sprawling 3+2 bdrm home on aprx 1 acre. Eat-in kitchen, open concept LR, formal DR, den, master bdrm w/ensuite & walk-in closet, main flr laundry, & dbl car garage. 2nd kitchen, rec room, 3pc bath. Above ground pool. Many updates.

$738.92 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$2555.86 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

Beautifully restored c.1908 craftsman home once was a post office, general store & train station. Currently used as 2 family home, & is a legal triplex. Exterior was refurbished in last 10 yrs incl. furnace, roofs, hot water heater, all plumbing & electrical. New sewer & water lines in 2012. Antique heartwood pine plane flooring thru main level w/master suite offering a field stone wood-burning fireplace.

SOLD

$2184.81 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1796.97 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

ONE R E H ANOT

grimsby $849,900 2 Shoreline Crescent

grimsby $329,900 39 Mountain Street

grimsby $459,900 23 Tunbridge Crescent

grimsby $479,900 288 Kemp Rd. W

LAVISH TOP TO BOTTOM - Elegant home on Lakeside Crescent. The new owner will reap the benefits of this over improved custom reno’d home w/waterfront views. Features entrance w/marble floors, designer kitchen w/oak cabinets, granite counters, stone backsplash, cherry hardwood floors.

LEGAL DUPLEX – In the core of Grimsby! Rare find, this beautifully maintained 2 self-contained: 2 BR & 3 BR units, sitting on 84x106 ft. lot, 2 new furnace & c/air 2006, all updated vinyl windows 2010, new shingles 2001, & a professionally finished basement.

9 year old One Floor Beauty. Open concept home features hrdwd, cer & carptd bed. Main flr family room with walkout to fenced in back yard with spacious deck.

Basement is professionally finished with oversized recroom, bathroom, bedrooms & office space

Unique property zoned for priv. club recreational use; suitable for many types of organizations on priv. 25 acres of land w/mutual picnic area. Banquet/dance hall 2500 sq. ft with 12’ ceilings, FP, full kit facilities, bar area, coat check, bthrms & spacious bsmt for storage.

$3394.64 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

1317.67 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

1836.92 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1896.83 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

Call Today 905-945-0188

Page 6

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

January 1, 2013

Seniors’ Emergency Planning Musts

L

imited mobility and medical conditions can make seniors particularly vulnerable during natural disasters.

Just consider some of the stories that emerged after November's Hurricane Sandy and how seniors were dealt an especially hard blow.

Many were trapped without power and water for days in high-rise buildings.

Some took daring steps to escape rising water.

Others drowned in their homes.

So planning for emergencies, whether they're hurricanes in Florida, blizzards in Newfoundland, or earthquakes and forest fires in California, is critical for seniors and their caretakers.

During the holiday season when you're visiting with family and elderly relatives, take some time to address disaster planning.

2.

3.

4.

Here are 7 basics.

1. Disaster kits. Put together an emergency kit that allows your family member to shelter in place for several days. Include water (enough for three to six days per person, which equals at least one gallon per person per day), flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food.

Check the kit at least twice per year to be sure batteries and food are still fresh. Also, have a plan for medicine and be sure there's a

5.

back-up power strategy if loved ones rely on electricity to power special health equipment.

Resources. Understand the local resources that are available to seniors in advance of disasters.

Have phone numbers for the province, county and local services available before a crisis.

Point people. Develop relationships with your loved one's neighbors and friends, particularly if you live far away, and keep their contact information current.

They could help evacuate your relatives, provide shelter for them, or keep an eye on them during an emergency. They can also give you some updates and peace, if you can't be there to help.

Staying informed. Be certain that your loved ones have access to the most current emergency information. For instance, post key phone numbers in a visible spot and be certain a working, battery-operated radio is accessible.

Pet plans. Many people, young and old, end up in treacherous situations because they don't want to leave their pets alone and decide not to evacuate in an emergency. So also plan for pet care. Identify shelters that accept pets, hotels where pets are welcome, or friends or family where

loved ones can go with their animal companions. In addition, have a bag with pet food and medicine and other necessities, such as cages, leashes, and so forth, ready to go.

6. Safety at home. Identify escape routes and create a safe place within the house or apartment where loved ones can go during a tornado or severe storm. Be sure the space is comfortable and equipped with necessities (chair, blankets, and water, for example) and that the space is accessible.

For instance, a crawl space isn't a

realistic safety spot for someone who isn't agile.

7. Additional resources. Here are some sites that feature checklists and information to help you develop a personalized plan: • Canadian Red Cross: www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=33841 • Government of Canada: www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-eng.aspx

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January 1, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 7

Top 10 Tips to Home Selling in Winter Winter presents its own unique set of challenges. It is not the ideal time to put your home on the market if you live where it gets cold and rains or snows, primarily because your home won't show as well. However, there are steps you can take to brighten your home and make the showing pleasant and enjoyable for your buyers.

1) Clear a Path • Continually shovel a path through the snow, especially if it's still falling.

• Footprints on freshly fallen snow will turn to ice if the temperature is low enough, so scrape the walk.

• Sprinkle a layer of sand over the sidewalk and steps to ensure your buyers' stable footing.

• Remember to open a path from the street to the sidewalk so visitors aren't forced to crawl over snowdrifts.

• If it's raining, put a rubber mat by the front door or a container to hold wet umbrellas.

2) Let in the Light • Pull up the blinds, open the shutters, push back the drapes on every window.

• Turn on every light in the house, including appliance lights and closet lights.

• Brighten dark rooms with few windows by placing spotlights on the floor behind furniture.

• Turn off TV. 3) Turn on the Heat • Pump up that thermostat. It's better to heat the house a degree or two warmer than usual and then set the temperature at normal. This prevents the heat from kicking on when the buyer is present, because some HVAC systems are loud.

• You want the temperature inside to be comfortable and to give the buyer more of a reason to linger, especially on a cold day.

• Light the fireplace, but open the damper, place a grate in front of it and don't leave it unattended for very long.

You don't want your house to catch fire!

4) Create a Mood • Make your living room appear romantic by placing two champagne glasses near a champagne bucket on the coffee table.

• Toss afghans or throws across the arms of your sofa.

Turn your bathroom into a spa: • Hang plush robes.

• Roll up wash cloths, tie with a ribbon and place in a basket on the counter.

• Set up a grouping of soaps, lotions and shampoo.

• Place vases filled with winter flowers around the house.

• Set a breakfast tray on the bed containing a coffee cup, saucer, napkin, rolled-up newspaper.

• Dress your dining room table for a dinner for two.

5) Turn on the Music • Turn on soft music. I used to play Enya until one day I heard it piped in at a mortuary.

• Jazz or classical is soothing.

• Don't turn on a commercial radio station - fill the CD changer so your music will be continuous.

6) Ease Up on the Scents • Many people are allergic to certain scents and deodorizers, so don't spray the air or plug-in air fresheners.

• Don't burn candles or spray perfume in the bedroom for the same reason.

• If you're going to bake cookies or simmer spices such as cinnamon in water on the stove, put out munchies so buyers aren't disappointed. More than one sad buyer has said, "Oh, darn, I thought there were cookies in here!"

7) Make it Visually Pleasing • Display photographs showcasing your summer flower gardens and lush green lawns.

• Keep blinds partially closed that otherwise show undesirable outdoor scenery such as a dilapidated fence or a nearby structure that obstructs

views.

• Make Your House Sparkle: Wash windows Clean out cobwebs.

If necessary, re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.

Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.

Clean out the refrigerator.

Vacuum daily. If your carpeting is plush, vacuum in one direction.

Wash and wax floors.

Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.

Bleach dingy grout.

Empty trash and recycling bins.

8) Serve Winter Foods • Don't serve muffins or any other kind of food that can be popped into the mouth because you want buyers to stay for a while and notice elements they might otherwise miss.

• Hot soups such as tortilla, potato or squash are delicious on a cold day.

• Chili or stew is a great alternative to soup, but leave a receptacle for disposal of the paper bowls and spoons.

• Hot apple cider or cups of cocoa make great beverage choices.

9) Provide Specific Information • Attach printed cards to items and in rooms that provide further information the buyer might miss or might not

know. You have so little time to make an impression.

• If you have an antique chandelier in your dining room, put a card on it that discloses its age and other important details.

• If you have removed the washer and dryer from the laundry room, attach a card to the wall describing the room.

• If your basement stairs are steep, attach a card to the railing that cautions buyers to watch their step.

• Take care when placing a card that says: "Not included in the sale." That will make a buyer want it, but you can play that later to your advantage.

10) Use Timers and Technology to Your Advantage • Plug indoor lamps into a timer to automatically turn on at times buyers will be present.

• Consider using motion sensors that will light up in the evening when a buyer approaches your doorstep.

• Set your crock-pot on a timer to warm up soup at designated time.

• If you use an answering machine, turn it off or mute messages.

Elizabeth Weintraub, Broker-Associate, Sacramento, California.

amoRTiZaTioN CHaRT Monthly payment per $1,000 Length of Mortgage (Amortization Period) Example $150,000 at 20yr at 3.0%: 150 x 5.54 = $831.00 /month Interest Rate (%) 5 yr

10 yr

15 yr

20 yr

25 yr

30 yr

35 yr

3.00

17.96

9.65

6.90

5.54

4.73

4.21

3.84

3.50

18.18

9.88

7.14

5.79

4.99

4.48

4.12

4.00

18.40

10.11

7.38

6.04

5.26

4.76

4.41

4.50

18.62

10.34

7.63

6.30

5.53

5.04

4.71

5.00

18.85

10.58

7.88

6.57

5.82

5.34

5.01

5.50

19.07

10.82

8.14

6.84

6.10

5.64

5.33

6.00

19.30

11.07

8.40

7.12

6.40

5.95

5.65

6.50

19.53

11.31

8.66

7.41

6.70

6.26

5.98

7.00

19.75

11.56

8.93

7.69

7.00

6.59

6.32

7.50

19.98

11.81

9.21

7.99

7.32

6.91

6.66

8.00

20.21

12.06

9.48

8.28

7.63

7.25

7.01

8.50

20.45

12.32

9.76

8.59

7.95

7.59

7.36

9.00

20.68

12.58

10.05

8.89

8.28

7.93

7.72

9.50

20.91

12.84

10.33

9.20

8.61

8.28

8.08

10.00

21.15

13.10

10.62

9.52

8.94

8.63

8.44

10.50

21.38

13.37

10.92

9.83

9.28

8.98

8.81

11.00

21.62

13.64

11.21

10.16

9.63

9.34

9.18

11.50

21.86

13.91

11.51

10.48

9.97

9.70

9.55

12.00

22.10

14.18

11.82

10.81

10.32

10.06

9.93

Maximum Exposure Sells Your Home www.golfiteam.com 905-575-7700

Page 8

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

January 1, 2013

Senior’s Downsizing... Assistance is Available

A

re You going through changes in your life? Do you need help deciding whether to remain in your current home or downsizing?

Pamela Culp Blanchard’s passion for working with seniors stems from her personal and professional experiences.

She explains: “I have dealt with many individuals who have left their homes to move to a retirement home. I know both sides of the story.”

“I worked for 30 years in a home for the aged, and never regretted one minute of it. I dealt with elderly people coming into the new place of residence. I could feel their hurt, and their family’s hurt; I also know the hurt of clients coming

in who had no family that cared enough about them to be there and support them, as well as, the ones whose family members had passed away.”

“I have personal experience coping with family and parent illness and understand all this encompasses. I know the emotional difficulties of the transitional steps one may take in caring for their aging loved ones.”

For Pamela, senior downsizing is not about profit; it’s about her compassion and empathy for seniors. Pamela’s concern is about being there when they have no one to help them through the process. She will assist in helping their families deal with the downsizing and the next stage of life. It’s about moving or downsizing with dignity and as little stress as possible. It’s about helping seniors through the process of giving their life possessions to the ones who will cherish them. It’s all about treating others as she would like to be treated. It’s about following her passion.

Pamela has been a member of Professional Organizers in Canada since 2009, where she serves on the executive as

membership coordinator. She and her husband have four children and four grandchildren and a fifth one on the way. They also have four cats and a Golden Retriever named Marley who is proud to be the company Mascot. Marley is a Golden Retriever who was adopted through the Welland Humane Society. He was a rescue dog and loves it when our clients invite him to come along with us.

Pamela is proud to Support Rob Golfi and The Golfi Team Re/Max. Rob has acquired is SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) designation from the National Association of Realtors which is a designation for Realtors to address the needs of home buyers and sellers age 50+.

Be Clutter Free (www.beclutterfree.ca) is a removal service for items that are no longer required, inside or outside.

We also do garbage/junk runs. We support the environment and the community by donating the items you no longer require to people in need, or charitable organiza-

tions. Items that cannot be reused are recycled whenever possible. We also provide professional organizing for your home and garage.

SeniorDownsizing.ca is a division of Be Clutter Free, which was established by Pamela Culp Blanchard in 2009 to assist individuals in the organization, de-cluttering, and maintaining of their home which is their sanctuary.

Our Mascot Marley:

289-969-6532

RECEIVE A STAINLESS STEEL UNDER MOUNT SINK & A FREE UPGRADED EDGE! *Minimum of 40 square feet, no cash value, 1 gift certificate per household.

Must present this post card at time of ordering.

Contract must be signed before January 31, 2013, in order to redeem certificate.

Some restrictions may apply.

RICE !

P T S BE ANTEED GUAR

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM TO MEET WITH A MEMBER OF OUR FRIENDLY AND KNOWLEDGEABLE SALES TEAM

www.golfiteam.com

January 1, 2013

Rob Golfi*

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 9

Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

stOnEy CrEEK $254,900 4-346 Highland Road West

HAmiLtOn $159,900 91 Armstrong Avenue

HAmiLtOn $289,900 673 King St. East

gLAnbrOOK $385,900 1635 Glancaster Road

LOCATION AND SHOWS 10+!! Treetop village end unit in upper Stoney Creek, well maintained and many updates.

Minutes to LINC/QEW/REDHILL. Low Condo fees for insurance and landscaping.

Lovely & large 3 bedroom, brick home w/ double width drive. Spacious living rm w/ hardwood floors, bright eat-in kitchen, main floor bedroom & bathoorm, partially finished high basement. Updates include: c/a (’07), front window (’10), shingles (’04), electrical on breakers.

LOCATION LOCATION! This incredibly maintained 2200 sq.ft. corner property with commercial frontage and 2 add’tl apts features fantastic income, close to Cathedral high school, new roof 4yrs new, 14 ft ceilings, hardwd flrs, full basement with newer wiring & parking space in the back.

Renovated country bungalow on 75x576 ft. lot minutes to the city, custom maple kitchen with granite, Brazilian flooring, 20x20” tiles, new windows, shingles (’06). If you love the country & want to feel like you are living in a new home than this place is for you.

$1018.11 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$638.67 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1157.91 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1541.35 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

HAmiLtOn $229,900 89 Nugent Drive

HAmiLtOn EAst $189,900 161 Glennie Ave

stOnEy CrEEK $549,900 39 Sasha Court

stOnEy CrEEK $350,000 39 Kilbourn Avenue

NEAR SCHOOLS, BUSSES & SHOPPING! This 1 storey home is in a fantastic east end location and features great size living room, cozy kitchen, finished basement with 2 additional bedrooms, new furnace 2007, new shingles 2005, some new vinyl windows, and a large fenced yard.

5 BEDROOMS AND LOCATION ROCKS! Quiet court, walk to school & shopping. Big renovated eat-in kitchen (appl. included) with walkout to huge deck and pool. 200 amp, updated windows, doors, siding, furnace and A/C, bathroom and foundation waterproofed from the outside.

TRENDY AND STYLISH! This move in ready 6 yrs. new, 2 storey, 4 bedroom home boasts maple kitchen with granite counters & breakfast bar, 9ft ceilings, hardwood floors, show case fireplace in family room, fully landscaped with coloured concrete drive. Shows like a dream.

OUTSTANDING IMMACULATE HOME! Completely redone top to bottom gorgeous new kitchen w/granite counters & tumble marble backsplash, updated bathrooms, new trim, pot lights, new gleaming hardwood floors, updated vinyl windows, fin. basement w/new Berber carpet.

$925.00 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$758.49 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$2196.39 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1397.96 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

SOLD

ONE R E H ANOT

HAmiLtOn WEst $427,900 39 Melbourne Street

HAmiLtOn Ctr $174,900 11 Greenaway Ave

HAmiLtOn WEst $149,900 1966 Main Street W., Unit #103

HAmiLtOn mtn $429,900 84 Onyx Drive

West Hamilton Gem! Steps from Locke St., walking distance to schools. Shingles, soffit, facia, windows, furnace, A/C, wiring/panel, plumbing, prof. brick restore on entire house, flring, kitch, baths - 2012. Open concept kitch w/granite counter tops. 9 ft. ceilings w/California knock down.

Beautiful all brick 2.5 storey single family home. Features 5 bedrooms & lots of possibilities! Newer hardwd flrs, updated kitch & baths, clean & fresh décor, nothing to do but move in! Includes single garage w/lots of parking & close to public transit.

Well maintained condo overlooking peaceful gardens & picnic area, features 3 large sunny bedrms, spacious living/dining room, in-suite storage plus locker, saltwater pool, sauna, tennis courts, great underground parking space & easy HWY 403/Linc access & McMaster.

Incredible 2600 sq.ft. 2-storey, 4 bedroom home with gorgeous hardwood floors, maple kitchen with granite counter tops and breakfast island. Spa-like ensuite off master bedroom and large walk-in closet. Fantastic size dining room with showcase fireplace in family room.

$1709.10 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$698.58 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$598.72 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1717.09 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

SOLD HAmiLtOn mtn $164,900 36 Poplar Avenue LOCATION, LOCATION! Walk to Juravinski, steps to mountain brow & shopping. Loads of character and perfect for a young couple! This property features beamed ceilings, private back yard, front and back porch, updated 100 amp panel, and kitchen. Great rental location! Don’t miss out! $658.64 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

ONE R E H ANOT

HAmiLtOn WEst $299,900 163 Caroline Street South

HAmiLtOn mtn $339,900 95 Rolston Drive

First time on the market, ever!!! Very unique layout featuring an updated kitchen, boiler, roof, wiring, flooring, electrical panel, windows, doors, bathroom, main floor laundry & beautiful den/sun room with updated skylights overlooking private yard!! Bonus double width driveway.

SCENIC VIEW! Fabulous home w/lots of extras, roll up shutters on some windows and sliding doors, huge family room with walkout, dining area walkout to balcony, irrigation system, dbl garage, loads of closet space & storage.

Updates: kitchen, windows, shingles, furnace/CA & more.

$1197.85 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1354.02 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

HAmiLtOn EAst $219,900 542 Corbett Street Very large raised ranch with high ceilings in the finished basement. 2 full bathrooms and in-law potential! Attached garage with inside entry and new 10x12 shed built in 2012.

3 bedrooms with hardwood floors. Updated roof, furnace & C/A. $918.25 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

SOLD

ONE R E H ANOT

stOnEy CrEEK mtn $385,000 21 Summerfield Avenue

HAmiLtOn Ctr $164,900 35 Stirton Street

stOnEy CrEEK $349,900 1364 Highway #8

HAmiLtOn EAst $359,900 90 Strawberry Drive

Great Stoney Creek mountain location! 3+1 bedrooms w/spacious rooms, master with ensuite and walk-in closet, updated hardwood flooring in living & dining room, and eatin kitchen with oak cabinets. Beautifully landscaped lot with 15 x 29 in-ground pool and large deck great for entertaining.

UPDATES GALORE! SHOWS 10++ with loads of room for a big family. New kitchen & bathrooms. Owner is downsizing, house is very clean. 3rd floor can be play area or family room or 2 more bedrooms. Private rear yard with a fabulous deck, and a big front porch. Appliances included.

CHARMING BUNGALOW TAKES YOU BY SURPRISE – this 2100 sq.ft. home sitting on park like setting country lot 85x187 ft. backing onto wooded green space, features gorgeous oak kitchen cabinets w/granite counters tops, beautiful hardwood floors, and close to all amenities.

RAVINE LOT! Beautiful all brick 4+2 bedrm w/3.5 baths features walk-up from basement with in-law potential, main flr ldry, main flr family rm w/fireplace, eat-in kitchen, separate dining room. New furnace/central air & carpet in basement. Great location, a walk to shopping & park.

$1537.75 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$658.64 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1397.56 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1497.41 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

Call Today 905-575-7700

Page 10

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

November 15, 2012

Marketplace Tree Inspection - Disease Diagnosis Ornamental & Shade Tree Pruning Tree Surgery & Cabling Tree & Stump Removal Tree & Shrub Fertilization

Skid Steer Services Available Attachments Available Backhoe Post Hole Auger Tree Spade

Jeff Green Certified Arborist

real Estate Lawyer

Paul Lewis settimi

Barrister, Solicitor and Notary Public 8 Main Street East, Suite 303 Hamilton, Ontario L8N 1E8 Bus: 905-527-0808 Fax: 905-527-0774

20 Main Street West Grimsby, Ontario L3M 1R4 Bus: 289-235-7500 Fax: 905-527-0774

paul.settimi@cogeco.net

Bus: 905-957-5818 Cell: 905-516-0640

FREE IN HOME CONSULTATION

905-309-0909 Truly Beautiful • Blinds • Drapery • Shutters

TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF MOVING! David Ryback Regional Sales Manager

www.budgetblinds.com/Grimsby State Farm Providing Insurance and Financial Services ®

Canadian Head Offices: Aurora, Ontario

Craig Budd Ins Agcy Ltd Craig Budd, Agent 4289 Hixon Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B7 Bus: 905-563-3453 Toll Free: 866-252-0035

P045151CN 4/04

Hamilton: 905-573-8776 Grimsby: 905-945-5540 www.harveymoving.com david@harveymoving.com

Margaret Whorwood Agent Lic. No. M11000188

Mortgage Planner fala português 651 Fennell Avenue East Hamilton, ON L8V 1T9 T 905.574.9200 x 218 C 905.523.9893 F 905.574.2920 E margaret.whorwood@mtgarc.ca www.mtgarc.ca/margaretwhorwood

Hardwood Floor Refinishing Jacqueline Paradisi The Quick, No-Sanding Solution for Beautiful Hardwood Floors

www.MrSandless.com

HOME STAGING

1-877-955-9663 • 905-304-3380 • hamilton@mrsandless.com

Clutter Removal & Organizing www.beclutterfree.ca

Senior Downsizing www.seniordownsizing.ca

WE GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE ENTIRE PROCESS Pamela Culp Blanchard 905-971-9568

www.golfiteam.com

January 1, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 11

Do you know about Walk Score®?

Coming soon to www.RobGolfi.com...

Walk Score® (www.walkscore.com) is a nifty site you can use both when you're shopping for a new neighborhood and when you're working with a real estate practitioner to market your house.

The site measures walkability and ranks cities, neighborhoods, and specific addresses on a 0-100 scale.

In calculating rankings, Walk Score® measures proximity to an array of daily living necessities, such as transit and health care and venues, such as restaurants, grocery stores, and parks.

How you can use Walk Score: Research your next home. If walking is important to you as you age, you can type in a specific address to see how a house or condo you're considering ranks.

As an example, Walk Score gives one address in a lakefront neighborhood a 92 and calls it a Walker's Paradise because of its excellent access to public transit and restaurants, and a grocery store that is situated within 524 feet.

An address in a suburb 40 miles outside one city ranks a mere 15.

Why? To accomplish nearly all errands, residents need a car. But

move within that same suburb's downtown and the score rises to 78 because more amenities are accessible on foot.

Thetford Mines, a Quebec town, scores a 52, and Walk Score describes it as somewhat walkable. Toronto gets a solid 100 because, says the site, daily errands don't require a car.

Market your house.

If you're selling your house, type in your address to see its score. If it's a good one, the number can be a marketing advantage. Be sure your real estate practitioner is aware of Walk Score and that he or she promotes your home's high ranking in your property’s marketing materials.

Some long-term care costs rise In addition to a city's walkability, another consideration when assessing retirement venues is the cost of care, whether that's nursing or assisted living facilities or in-home care.

MetLife Mature Market Institute released its annual survey, "The 2012 MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Adult Day Services, and Home Care Costs," and it's no surprise that some costs in the United States have risen.

Since 2011, for instance, nursing

Crossword Puzzle

home rates climbed by 3.8%. The average price of a private room in a U.S. nursing home stands at $248 per day.

Care costs, of course, vary by place, and even within a state and a metro area, rates can be quite different.

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

905-575-7700 Seniors Real Estate Specialist is a designation for REALTORS® to address the needs of home buyers and sellers, age 50-plus. If you are buying or selling a home, contact Rob Golfi today.

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Persons of erudite tastes (9) Pinnacle (4) Harem (8) Ignore (anag) — area (6) Equipment (6) New York river (6) Severe food shortage (6) Surrounded closely (6,2) Pen-name of essayist Charles Lamb (4) Postgraduate degree (9)

Advertise Here for information on advertising in the market Watch, contact

Rose Magro

email: rosaliemagro@yahoo.ca cell: 905-745-0122

Call Today 905-945-0188

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Finlandia composer (8) Selected (6) Mount on which Noah's ark grounded (6) Booty (4) Planned to occur (9) Thousand year periods (9) Remarks (8) Untidy (anag) (6) Glad rags (6) Natural satellite (4)

Executive Freehold Towns

e l l i v s m a e B Stylish 2-Storey 1,460 sq. ft. Towns with 9 ft. ceilings, nestled within a brand new community park!

Stadelbauer Dr.

King St.

Connor Dr. Sales Office

South Service Rd.

King St.

Mountain St.

South Service Rd.

QEW

Ontario St.

QEW

15 Units from

6 UNITS LEFT!

246,900

$

Cassandra Dr. Hillside Dr.

Sales Office Hours: Tues & Thurs 1-5pm, Sat & Sun 1-5pm Monday, Wednesday & Friday by appointment

www.GolfiTeam.com | 905-945-0188